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The Great Resignation’s Quieter Cousin: A Shift in Perspective
The workplace is changing. Gone are the days when a corner office and a gold watch were the ultimate aspirations. Today, the buzzwords are “quiet quitting” and “setting boundaries,” reflecting a workforce reevaluating its relationship with work. But are these two concepts truly different sides of the same coin?
Unpacking the Nuances: Quiet Quitting vs. Boundary Setting
While often used interchangeably, “quiet quitting” and “setting boundaries” possess distinct connotations:
Quiet Quitting
This term, while catchy, can be misleading. It suggests a passive form of disengagement, where employees do the bare minimum without technically leaving their jobs. This might involve:
- Sticking strictly to job descriptions and not taking on extra responsibilities.
- Mentally checking out and showing less enthusiasm for work.
- Prioritizing personal time over work-related demands.
Setting Boundaries
In contrast, setting boundaries is a proactive approach to defining limits between work and personal life. It involves:
- Clearly communicating work availability and sticking to it.
- Declining requests that fall outside agreed-upon work hours or responsibilities.
- Prioritizing personal well-being and not sacrificing it for work demands.
The crucial difference lies in communication and intention. Quiet quitting is often silent and potentially detrimental to both the individual and the organization. Boundary setting, on the other hand, fosters open dialogue and seeks a sustainable work arrangement.